VATICAN CITY — A wave of emotion swept through St. Peter’s Square on Sunday as Pope Francis made a stirring return to public life, greeting thousands of faithful in his first appearance since being released from hospital two weeks ago.
Rolled into the square in a wheelchair and wearing nasal tubes for oxygen, the 88-year-old pontiff lifted his hands to greet the applauding crowd. The cheers echoed across the Vatican as the leader of the Catholic Church smiled warmly, visibly moved by the welcome.
“Buona domenica a tutti,” he said—“Good Sunday to everyone”—his voice notably steadier and stronger than when he briefly addressed well-wishers outside the Gemelli hospital on March 23, the day of his discharge. “Thank you very much.”
Francis had spent five weeks in hospital battling severe pneumonia, a life-threatening illness that doctors say twice brought him dangerously close to death. He was initially admitted on February 14 after a worsening bout of bronchitis, which escalated into double pneumonia.
Though he remains in a fragile state and will require at least two more months of rest and rehabilitation, his return on Sunday—during a special Jubilee Mass for the sick—was seen as a powerful sign of resilience and faith.
“Today’s appearance is nothing short of miraculous,” one Vatican official said. “He is still very weak, but he wanted to be here, with the people.”
In a gesture that underscores his unwavering commitment, Pope Francis used his final days in hospital to approve a sweeping three-year reform plan for the Church. Among the proposals on the table: expanding the role of women in Church leadership, including the possibility of ordaining female deacons, and increasing the participation of non-clergy members in governance.
The pope’s health scare has paused diplomatic engagements, including a planned state visit by King Charles and Queen Camilla. Buckingham Palace confirmed the trip has been postponed, but said the royals “look forward to visiting him in The Holy See once he has recovered.”
For now, the pope’s quiet wave, tender smile, and heartfelt words spoke volumes—offering hope not only to the faithful gathered in Rome, but to millions watching around the world.